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Adult of Jackdaw subspecies spermologus

The Western Jackdaw is a passerine bird in the crow family. The name derives from the word "jack", meaning "small", and "daw", its native English name. Found across Europe, western Asia and North Africa, it is mostly resident, although northern and eastern populations migrate south in winter. Four subspecies are recognised, which mainly differ in the colouration of the plumage on the head and nape. Linnaeus first described it formally. Later analysis of its DNA shows that, with its closest relative the Daurian Jackdaw, it is an early offshoot from the genus Corvus, and possibly distinct enough to warrant reclassification in a separate genus, Coloeus. Measuring 34–39 centimetres (13–15 in) in length, the Western Jackdaw has black plumage with a grey nape and distinctive pale-grey irises. It is gregarious and vocal, living in small groups with a complex social structure in farmland, open woodland, on coastal cliffs, and in urban settings. An omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, it eats a wide variety of plant material and invertebrates, as well as food waste from urban areas. Western Jackdaws are monogamous and build simple nests of sticks in cavities in trees, cliffs, or buildings. (Full article...)

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The Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album was an award presented at the Grammy Awards to recording artists for quality albums in the Native American music genre. The honor was first presented to Tom Bee and Douglas Spotted Eagle at the 2001 Grammy Awards as the producers of the compilation album Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. In 2011, the category was eliminated along with thirty others due to a major overhaul by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; Native American works are now eligible for the Best Regional Roots Music Album category. As performing artists, Bill Miller and Mary Youngblood (pictured) share the record for the most wins in this category, with two each. Thomas Wasinger holds the record for the most wins as a producer, with three. (Full list...)

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A panoramic view of Pittsburgh from nearby Mount Washington at dawn. Pittsburgh, with a population of 307,484 and an area of 58.3 square miles (151 km2), is the second-largest city in the US commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Photo: Matthew Field

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